A few weeks ago we had three Bowmore releases from The Whisky Agency, bottled for friends. We go continue this path with four more ‘friends releases’ and one Strathmill 1988 only carrying their own name.
Strathmill 38 yo 1988 (44,9%, The Whisky Agency 2026, hogshead)
Nose: mature and refined, no wham-bam entry. Old books and dried wildflowers at first, with ripe pear, a little papaya and orange peels alongside. Then drops of floral honey and rubbed mint leaves. Later a rounder, almost candied fruity note as well. Discreet and polite, but very pleasant.
Mouth: a little more weighty now, with hints of biscuits and vanilla cake, along with bright fruit. More pear, hints of apricot, a little bergamot. Then some leathery hints, hints of walnuts and a very light waxy edge. Aniseed and orange peels again. Hardly any oak as such, just a light resinous note and mint tea.
Finish: still considerable, with a slightly drying oaky structure, fresh citrus and mint.
This is all about elegance, an advocate for long ageing. If you’re after a highly refined old profile, this ticks all the boxes. Similar to the TWA / Sansibar joint bottling we tried not so long ago.
Secret Speyside 19 yo 2007 (50,1%, The Whisky Agency for Villa Konthor 2026, Oloroso barrique)
Nose: quite robust, with nutty notes and a little rancio appearing first. Roasted hazelnuts and almonds. Raisins and figs. Then also a hint of fallen leafs and pine needles, as well as dark caramel, chocolate biscuits, dried figs and a wee savoury / meaty hint.
Mouth: same mix of sweetness and savouriness. There are roasted nuts, black pepper and caramel, along with dark baked cinnamon pastry. Then pure chocolate, a creamy coffee ganache note and old leather towards the end.
Finish: quite long, much the same mix of cocoa, caramel, spicy oak and roasted nuts.
A very autumnal profile, on the dark and savoury side. A profile that comes close to Glenrothes, but I’m just guessing here. Score: 87/100
Bruichladdich 13 yo 2012 (50,7%, The Whisky Agency for Mellow Wines & Spirits 2025, hogshead, 166 btl.)
Nose: ah, the farmy and slightly cheesy Laddie hint. Certainly a lactic touch here (milk powder). Also creamy melon and light honey. After fifteen minutes it starts folding open, allowing more fruits to appear. Ripe pineapple mainly. In the background the coastal notes are noticeable.
Mouth: a big peppery kick at first, with herbal notes and mint. Then back to melons, peaches, gooseberries and hints of grapes. A wee ashy note too, along with vibrant green apple. The cheesy hint is less pronounced now, with more room for mineral notes and a hint of salt towards the end.
Finish: medium to long, a mix of brine and ripe fruits, as well as a drying hint of tobacco.
I’m not sure whether this was a bourbon hogshead or some kind of wine. Anyway, the result is really interesting, with a creamy fruitiness but also some funky notes. Recommended. I believe this is the link but some bottles also stayed behind in Germany, so you don’t need to buy a ticket to Hong Kong per se. Score: 89/100
Secret Orkney 19 yo 2006 (51,2%, The Whisky Agency for Whisky Agents 2025, hogshead)
Nose: a classic mix of chalk dust, salty sea air, wet pebblestones and hints of apple juice. Heathery elements, a bit of wet wool. Then also creamy sweetness, but only subdued fruits overall. Also a hint of chamomile.
Mouth: slightly fruitier now, with apples and peaches, but still in a very oily and mineral framework. Then roasted barley, a grassy side and lemon peels, maybe a hint of Greek yoghurt too. Pepper and more chalky hints later on.
Finish: quite long, still chalky, now also showing a light smoky hint, along with herbal notes.
Simply very good, unsurprisingly so in fact. It’s powerful, with classic flavours and a good balance. Still available from Whisky Agents. Score: 88/100
Linkwood 15 yo 2011 (50,9%, The Whisky Agency for The Nectar & Three Rivers 2026, Monbazillac barrique)
Nose: grape sweetness, mirabelles on syrup, along with apricot jam. Some red fruit wine gums and fragrant honey. Then hints of vanilla pastry, a little nougat and lightly peppery, fresh oak. Dessert style so far.
Mouth: more sweetness, with red shoe lace candy, more mirabelles, baked apples with raisins, and hints of red plums. Vanilla pastry, along with Demerara sugar and hibiscus syrup. Subtle liqueur-like hints, but it does manage to integrate to keep a balance thanks to the cask spice and the bright spirit.
Finish: fairly long, still candied and sweet, along with a oakiness that reminds me of American whiskeys.
I believe this is the first unpeated Scotch we’re trying from a Monbazillac cask. I always wonder whether I could empty a whole bottle of these liqueur-like variations, but it’s certainly a pleasant result. Available from Broekmans. Score: 87/100